Lynch did more than just score the game-winning touchdown, following quarterback Russell Wilson’s block into the end zone on a 27-yard run with 7:08 remaining to give Seattle a lead it never lost.

Seattle’s running back was the driving force in a game in which the Seahawks’ offense simply wore down one of the league’s better run defenses.

Washington allowed 95.8 yards per game rushing in the regular season, fifth-fewest in the league, yet Seattle was able to run its way back into Sunday’s game even after falling behind 14-0.

Washington had allowed only two opponents to rush for more than 150 yards during the regular season. Seattle gained 150 in the second half alone, finishing the game with 224.

Lynch was responsible for the majority of that, and he gained 99 of his 132 yards — which tied Seattle’s postseason record — after halftime.

“I feel like he ran the hell out of the ball,” center Max Unger said.

Perhaps the most impressive statistic of the game was that Lynch’s yards per carry increased as the game wore on, going from 2.5 in the first quarter to 4.7 in the second to 7.7 in the third and 8.8 in the fourth.

Even after he coughed up the ball on Washington’s doorstep in the third quarter — London Fletcher’s helmet popping the ball loose — Lynch’s coach had little doubt about his resolve.

“Not even an issue,” Carroll said.

That wasn’t the play that will be remembered, though. Not nearly so much as Lynch’s touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter, when he took the handoff from Wilson on a zone-read option and followed his blocking all the way to the end zone.

Lynch declined comment after the game, but a team spokesman sent out a statement regarding Wilson’s block: “It was cool. He made a good play. I appreciate it.”

Seattle’s running back was hardly the only one feeling appreciative after Sunday’s game.

“The last touchdown run was great,” Carroll said. “That’s what he does for us, and what he has all year.”

Lynch makes his mark

Marshawn Lynch tied the Seahawks’ record for rushing yards in a playoff game and has two of the top four performances in team postseason history. His 6.6 yard average also broke Dan Doornink’s record of 4.34 in 1984: